8 Fun Things to Do in Sydney Australia

This week's guest blog post is about fun things to do in Sydney, Australia and how to experience them like a local.

Coffee at Single O Surry Hills

Everyone knows that Australians LOVE their coffee, so much so, that we have a massive coffee culture and we damn-well know how to make a great coffee. If you have a look at where to find the best coffee in Sydney, Single O makes a majority of the lists, and for good reason. Located in the trendy suburb of Surry Hills, the coffee shop roasts its own beans, and features exotic blends of coffee. If you want to complete the Aussie roasts coffee experience, order the Australian specialty - a flat white.

Brunch at the Grounds of Alexandria

Another thing Sydneysiders love is BRUNCH, and more specifically brunch at the Instagram-worthy the Grounds of Alexandria. Located in the industrial Alexandria is the Grounds of Alexandria which features a market selling baked goodies and refreshing drinks, a pig aptly named ‘Kevin Bacon’, and of course their two cafes which serve up food that is equally as beautiful as they are delicious. If you’re looking to get into brunch on the weekend, be prepared to wait at least half an hour for tables as they tend to get very busy and packed.

You won’t see many tourists walking down the streets of Newtown as not many people know about it. Newtown is a mecca known for its boutique shops, wide range of eateries, and craft breweries. Take a walk down King Street and you’ll find all the above, and much more. There are a variety of op shops like St. Vincent’s and the Red Cross, but also U-turn recycled clothing, and boutique vintage stores. However, the crowning jewel of Newtown is its fun and accepting atmosphere, really making the suburb what it is.

Do the Bondi to Coogee walk

When you first hear Bondi you must think “yep tourist trap,” but I can assure you Bondi is loved by everyone from locals to tourists! Especially the Bondi to Coogee walk which boast breathtaking views of Bondi, the yellow sands, the whites of where the waves break, the turquoise waters, and of course the ant-like, black outlines of the people on the beach. The walk curves with the coastlines, with beautiful natural rock formations along the way, and great vantage points up high to take a great picture from! This walk is iconic and is often visited by Sydneysiders on weekends.

If you’re looking for a more glamorous shopping trip, or looking for great Australian designers, definitely check out Paddington. Spend the day with your friends walking down Oxford St in Paddington, trying on this season’s latest designs at the forefront of Australian fashion. You’ll see names like Camilla, Sass & Bide, Zimmermann, and Alice McCall all on the same strip. Oxford St really is a shopping and fashion-addict’s dream!

Visit Glebe markets

Not looking to fork out hundreds of dollars in shopping like some would in Paddington? Glebe markets are the perfect place to snatch up a bargain. You won’t be able to miss Glebe Markets, with the rainbow fence of Glebe Primary School being the centre of attention on a Saturday morning in Glebe. Walking around Glebe markets you’ll find market stalls selling homemade trinkets, artworks, woodworking projects, new designers, and second hand clothing. You’ll be guaranteed to find a bargain on some great clothes, and if not you’ll still enjoy the food stalls!

What better way to spend the afternoon than eating a long lunch, sipping on drinks as the sun goes down? How about watching the sunset with a view of Sydney? Get yourself down to Watson’s Bay Hotel where you’ll be able to sip on a few drinks, definitely try their seasonal cocktails, and an ice cold frosé (frozen rosé). In terms of food, expect only the freshest seafood, since the hotel is right on the water! You’ll spend the afternoon soaking up the sun, and taking in the views of Sydney Harbour at Watson’s Bay Hotel’s chic outdoor dining area.

Every Friday night, Chinatown’s Dixon Street transforms in a bustling array of stalls with everything from stalls selling little trinkets like fidget spinners, dainty jewellery, and then the next stall you’ll see sizzling bbq sticks! There really is everything on this street. You’ll feel like you’re in Southeast Asia with the bustling of people making their way to the markets, the different aromas floating through the air, and the delicious foods right in front of you. If you’re like me and market stalls usually don’t fill you up, don’t worry there are plenty of restaurants on either side of the street.

Author Bio: The following guest post was written by Alex Johnson, a blogger and lover of the little things in life, from delicious brunch spots to interior design. Recently moving to Sydney, he began his blog Inspire A Better Life to positively influence others to get out there and see all life has to offer. Join Alex as he discovers this life one day at a time, documenting his thoughts and others along the way!